Capstone Turbine Corporation • 16640 Stagg Street • Van Nuys • CA 91406 • USA
Installation Guide: Capstone C1000S/C800S/C600S with C1000 Series Controller
480064 Rev C (December 2018) Page 26 of 122
Capstone reserves the right to change or modify, without notice, the design, specifications, and/or contents of this document without
incurring any obligation either with respect to equipment previously sold or in the process of construction.
3.2.2. Grid Interconnection Planning
The following paragraphs contain guidelines and requirements for connecting a microturbine
installation to a utility grid.
3.2.2.1. Feasibility Study
Economic analysis should consider local utility tariffs or competitive prices, interconnection fees,
permit approval activities, and consulting services for Capstone applications. These expenditures
vary depending on the number of the Capstone units, geographical location, and the utility
company.
Capstone units are certified for safe utility interconnection by Underwriter’s Laboratories (UL), the
states of New York and California, Verband der Elekrotechnik (VDE-AR-N 4105), Bundesverband
der Energie- und Wasserwirtschaft (BDEW TR3), and Comitato Elettrotecnico Italiano (CEI 0-16).
These interconnect certifications mean that the process can take less time than for uncertified
generators, and should therefore be less costly to customers. Refer to the Grid Interconnection
Technical Reference (Table 1).
Factors impacting the interconnect process are as follows:
Number of microturbine units proposed
Nature of the grid at point of connection
Power distribution or Point of Common Coupling (PCC) voltage level
Requirements of the specific utility company
Electric load to be supplied
Power quality parameters such as voltage sagging, flicker, harmonic distortions
Other Distributed Generation (DG) systems operating on premises, in parallel with
the grid
Utility and state regulations in the region
3.2.2.2. Timeline Planning
Microturbine installation and interconnection with a utility for parallel operation should not present
technical difficulties. However, utilities are sensitive to interconnection issues due to their legal
obligation to provide power to their customers. Therefore, utilities will often require a thorough,
methodical approach for new generator interconnections. Establishing realistic timeframes and
duties will facilitate smooth implementation, maintain good relations, and minimize potential
delays.
Technical factors that can impact the interconnect review process or determine which utility
interconnect plan applies include the following:
Distribution system at the PCC
Size of generation facility in relation to the capacity of the utility feeder
Export capacity, as a percentage of feeder or line section peak load
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